‘Selfie tourism’ is damaging iconic locations, officials warn

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is sounding the alarm over the growing phenomenon of “selfie tourism,” which it says could destroy some of the world’s most iconic sites.

UNESCO defines selfie tourism as “the trend whereby travellers visit destinations primarily to take and share photographs of themselves, often with iconic landmarks and escapes in the background.” The organization acknowledges that while taking photos has been a hobby of travellers for as long as cameras have existed, selfie tourism is a different story altogether.

“This phenomenon has gained significant momentum with the rise of social media platforms, where visually appealing content drives user engagement,” a UNESCO spokesperson said. The Mirror“While people have always taken photos on vacation, the focus has shifted from capturing memories to creating shareable moments, often with the aim of gaining likes, followers and fame on social media.”

Selfie tourism has led to some sensitive areas and ecosystems being flooded with photo-hungry tourists, which has had a negative impact on local populations in some destinations. “In many cases, it has led to overcrowding in specific locations, putting pressure on local infrastructure and contributing to the degradation of the overall visitor experience,” the spokesperson explained.

UNESCO added that the madness is accelerating the “deterioration of historic sites, natural landscapes and infrastructure,” the restoration of which may be impossible. It noted that the phenomenon could lead to a “loss of meaning” for the destinations, something “essential to the existence of a cultural or natural site.”

“Some previously lesser-known destinations have come to global attention through social media,” the spokesperson continued, “resulting in an influx of visitors that can have an impact on the local environment and communities.”

However, UNESCO noted that overcrowding is not the only problem. As always, poorly behaved travelers risk ruining the fun for others. “Furthermore, the focus on taking the perfect photo can sometimes lead to disrespectful or harmful behavior, such as rule violations, vandalism or even accidents, as people go to extremes to get the perfect shot,” the organization said.

UNESCO criticized the influencers who “set precedents for millions of followers” by posting tourist selfies, and urged them to set better examples for their fans. “UNESCO urges visitors to approach these sites with respect and curiosity, encourages them to take the time to truly experience the unique culture and heritage of destinations, and to remember that their actions have an impact on the preservation of these sites and the well-being of the communities surrounding the sites,” the organization advised.

Aside from land desecration, selfie tourism has led to a number of dangerous incidents in recent months. Last month, a tourist died while trying to take a selfie at a popular waterfall in Bali. In April, a man was attacked by a brown bear after a disastrous attempt to take a selfie.